Poured Beeswax Candles

There is something incredibly satisfying about lighting a candle that you made with your own hands. While paraffin and soy candles are common, beeswax is, in my opinion, the absolute superior choice for home candle making.

Beeswax burns cleaner, longer, and brighter than other waxes. It naturally emits a subtle, sweet honey scent, and it even helps purify the air by releasing negative ions. Plus, pouring them into vintage thrifted containers adds a touch of unique, sustainable charm to your home.

Sourcing Your Materials

You will need pure beeswax (pastilles are the easiest to melt, but a block works too if you grate it), cotton wicks, wick stickers or glue dots, and a double boiler for melting the wax. Never melt wax directly in a pot on the stove, as it can easily overheat and ignite.

For containers, hit your local thrift store! Look for vintage teacups, sturdy glass jars, or small ceramic bowls. Just ensure the containers are heat-resistant and have no cracks.

Prepping the Containers

Wash and dry your chosen containers thoroughly. Attach a glue dot or wick sticker to the metal tab at the bottom of your cotton wick, and press it firmly into the center of the bottom of your container.

To keep the wick standing straight up while you pour the wax, use a wick holder, or simply balance a pencil across the top of the container and gently tie or tape the wick to it.

Melting the Wax

Place your beeswax into the top pot of your double boiler (or a heat-safe glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water). Let the wax melt slowly over medium-low heat. Beeswax has a high melting point, so this requires a little patience.

If you want to add a touch of coconut oil (about 1 part coconut oil to 4 parts beeswax), this is the time. Coconut oil helps the beeswax adhere better to the sides of glass containers and prevents tunneling when burning, but it is entirely optional.

The Pour

Once the wax is completely melted and liquid, carefully remove it from the heat. Slowly and steadily pour the hot wax into your prepared containers, stopping about half an inch from the rim. Be careful not to bump the wicks!

Leave the candles undisturbed in a warm room to cool slowly. Rapid cooling can cause the wax to crack or pull away from the sides of the container.

Curing and Burning

Once the candles have completely cooled and solidified (usually overnight), trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. While you can burn them right away, letting them "cure" for a few days allows the wax to fully harden and will result in a slower, more even burn.

Light your handmade candle, brew a cup of tea, and enjoy the cozy, golden glow and natural honey aroma filling your home.